{"id":729135,"date":"2026-04-15T06:59:29","date_gmt":"2026-04-15T06:59:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/729135\/"},"modified":"2026-04-15T06:59:29","modified_gmt":"2026-04-15T06:59:29","slug":"phoenix-suns-late-game-struggles-continue-in-biggest-game-of-the-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/729135\/","title":{"rendered":"Phoenix Suns\u2019 late-game struggles continue in biggest game of the year"},"content":{"rendered":"

PHOENIX \u2014 The Phoenix Suns will need to play one more game to lock in their spot in the playoffs, with late-game issues still at the forefront after their loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, 114-110.<\/p>\n

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Apr 14, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) moves the ball against Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (9) in the first half during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

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Much of the sentiment around the Valley faithful was optimism that they could pull off the win Tuesday, but some noted concern about how the Suns have struggled to maintain leads late. It was a trend that plagued Phoenix in its push for a top-six seed by the end of the year.<\/p>\n

Phoenix struggled to put away opponents like the Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors, building substantial leads but unable to finish the job. The most notable collapse came against the Houston Rockets on April 7 \u2014 jumping to a 26-5 lead early before allowing the Rockets to come back in a 119-105 loss.<\/p>\n

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Apr 14, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Jordan Ott against the Portland Trail Blazers in the first half during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

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When asked how his team would avoid collapses with added pressure from the play-in, head coach Jordan Ott described how sports are a game of \u201chighs and lows,\u201d and how his team can adjust to be \u201cjust a little bit better.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve talked a lot about value in possessions, but there also is a level of mental resilience you\u2019re going to need,\u201d Ott said. \u201c\u2026 It\u2019s 48 minutes, or however long it takes. And that\u2019s the playoff experience. The guys who have been in this, we know there is a game of runs\u2026 At the end of the night, it\u2019s basketball. That\u2019s what these guys do, that\u2019s what we do. We\u2019ve got to go out and execute.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Suns once again started hot, opening an eight-point lead against the Trail Blazers. However, Portland controlled much of the game afterward and led 65-62 by halftime.<\/p>\n

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After falling behind by 14, the Suns recaptured momentum off critical 3-point shots as the crowd at Mortgage Matchup Center roared. The second half was the most crucial, as Phoenix dug itself out of another large deficit to regain the lead.<\/p>\n

However, even a double-digit lead halfway through the fourth quarter wasn\u2019t enough to feel secure \u2014 mirroring a familiar pattern fans have known too well.<\/p>\n

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Apr 14, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) moves the ball against Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday (5) in the first half during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

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The question was whether Phoenix could sustain intensity for all four quarters, and it seems the struggles are still there. With minimal 3-point shooting to start the game and not fully taking advantage of a hot home crowd that shifted momentum in the fourth quarter, it wasn\u2019t enough for the Suns to completely put the game away.<\/p>\n

With the loss, Phoenix will take on either the Los Angeles Clippers or the Golden State Warriors to determine the No. 8 seed in this year\u2019s NBA playoffs on Friday, April 17, at 7 p.m.<\/p>\n

*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde<\/p>\n

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